Peter Yacobellis Elected Montclair Councilor-at-Large in Historic Vote-by-Mail Election

Montclair Elects Yacobellis First LGBTQ Candidate to Serve on Council

MONTCLAIR, NJ (May 18, 2020)—Peter Yacobellis, a former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and prominent national LGBTQ activist, was elected Councilor-at-Large for the Montclair Township Council in Montclair’s May 12 municipal elections—one of a handful of non-partisan, local contests across New Jersey that were conducted entirely by mail-in-ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yacobellis, the first known LGBTQ candidate to be elected to office in Montclair, was the top vote getter in a five-way race for the two councilor-at-large seats and was the overall top vote getter in the mayor and council race. The Essex County Clerk’s office certified the results Monday, after ballot counting was completed.

Yacobellis commended Montclair voters for their record turn-out despite the challenges of an unprecedented vote-by-mail election, and for using their ballots to deliver a clear mandate on his message: implementing the infrastructure, such as protected dedicated bicycle lanes and additional traffic calming measures to make Montclair a more bikeable and walkable community; a 21^st century parking strategy; stronger community engagement and communication from the local government and raising Montclair’s Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index score by working toward greater inclusivity.

“I have so much respect for the voters of Montclair who did not let the enormous challenges we are facing right now get in the way of them making sure their voices were heard,” Yacobellis said. “The voters delivered a very clear and decisive mandate on what they want for this community and expect from their government, and I am excited to get down to the hard work ahead with my colleagues on the council.” he said.

Yacobellis also expressed concern for the challenges many seniors and residents of multi-unit buildings encountered in the vote-by-mail process.

Yacobellis said his top priorities will be working with the Mayor-Elect and council to form a COVID-19 recovery task force and formulating a plan for Montclair to address what he expects to be severe financial challenges due to the economic fall-out from the crisis; expanding and improving services for seniors; and addressing Montclair’s ongoing issues regarding affordable housing, transportation infrastructure and poor condition of schools and other municipal buildings.

Yacobellis said his success would not have been possible without the hard work of supporters who helped him reach voters and spread his message during a quarantine that prevented him from in person and one-on-one meetings.

“This success was made possible by the hard work of my dear neighbors and friends from every ward, across Montclair, the support of small business owners and community leaders, a great campaign team led by Dave Parano and Robin Wallace, and most importantly, nearly 5,500 Montclair voters who have entrusted me with their hope for positive change,” Yacobellis said. “It also would not have been possible without the steadfast support of my fiance, Benjamin and the support of friends and family from all over America. I want to thank all of them profusely,” he said.

Yacobellis also expressed his gratitude toward his running mates – James Cotter, John Hearn, Christina Thomas, Maggie Joralemon, and David Cummings on the Your Voice, Montclair slate and notably mayoral candidate Renee Baskerville. Cummings was elected councilor for the fourth ward.

“Montclair is so fortunate to attract so many talented and qualified people to run for office, and I was honored to be part of the Vote Your Voice, Montclair team, who I know will continue to serve our community in valuable ways,” Yacobellis said. “Renee Baskerville has devoted her life to serving Montclair in every capacity, and Montclair would not be the unique, desirable and diverse community it is without her decades of dedication and contributions. Montclair owes a great debt to Renee Baskerville, as do I, and I will be eternally grateful for her support,” he said.

Yacobellis began his career in politics nearly two decades ago as an activist fighting for LGBTQ rights and equality, and his campaign earned broad national and local support including endorsements from The National LGBTQ Victory Fund; Garden State Equality; Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz; U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18);  civil rights leader David Mixner; former Houston Texas Mayor Annise Parker; Jane Clementi, leader of the Tyler Clementi Foundation; former GLAAD CEO and Montclair native, Joan Garry and actor Michelle Clunie; along with many community leaders.